Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 3 Hansard (23 October) . . Page.. 4034 ..


MR QUINLAN

: Mr Speaker, on 28 October 2002, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission presented to me as Minister for Sport, Racing and Gaming the outcomes of a review of the Gaming Machine Act. The commission's review included a wide range of recommendations that could be adopted by government to enhance the regulation and operation of gaming machines in the ACT.

I am able to announce that the government has supported the adoption of most of these recommendations and also agreed to the preparation of draft legislation to give effect to these reforms to the ACT gaming machine laws. Accordingly, Mr Speaker, I am pleased to present the government's response to the commission's review and recommendations and I commend it to the Assembly. I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Mr Stefaniak ) adjourned to the next sitting.

Indoor air quality monitoring

Papers and statement by minister

MR CORBELL

(Minister for Health and Minister for Planning) (3.06): For the information of members, I present the following papers:

Report on Indoor Air Quality Monitoring for Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Premises with Exemptions under the ACT Smoke Free Areas (Enclosed Public Places) Act 1994, dated October 2003.

Report on Indoor Air Quality Monitoring for Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Premises with Exemptions under the ACT Smoke Free Areas (Enclosed Public Places) Act 1994-Government Response, dated October 2003.

I seek leave to make a statement.

Leave granted.

MR CORBELL

: Mr Speaker, earlier this year a landmark document, the first international treaty on public health, was adopted by the World Health Assembly. Known as the framework convention on tobacco control, this document recognises that the tobacco epidemic is an international one and requires serious and concerted action if we are to stop the tragic and needless onset of disease and loss of life from smoking-related diseases. The Australian government is proud to have played an active role in negotiations leading to the framework convention.

I would like to borrow a phrase from the environmental movement that I believe is especially appropriate in today's circumstances: "Think globally, act locally". State, territory and local governments have a major role in tobacco control in Australia, with the primary responsibility for developing and implementing initiatives in many of the key areas being highlighted not only in the framework convention but also in Australia's national tobacco strategy.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .